EB / Computing / Twenty-three schools and colleges will run first Computing Hubs
Twenty-three schools and colleges will run first Computing Hubs
EB News: 02/07/2019 - 11:20
The National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) has announced the first 23 schools and colleges that will be leading Computing Hubs in their area.
They will provide a range of support for primary and secondary computing teachers in schools and colleges in their area, including teaching, resources and CPD activities.
Each lead school went through a selection process and has demonstrated expertise and commitment to computing education.
The tendering process for the next wave of Hubs is underway. All Hubs will offer regional, responsive and tailored support to schools.
The Hubs will be the focal point for local computing CPD, supported by a strong National Centre for Computing Education, covering practical and theoretical aspects of teaching computing, within a reasonable day’s travel. They will also facilitate strong links with industry and engage with university expertise.
The National Centre for Computing Education was established in November 2018 with up to £84 million of Government funding and was supported by a further £1 million from Google to develop training for secondary school computing teachers.
School Standards Minister Nick Gibb, said: “The National Centre for Computing Education, led by some of the UK's leading tech experts and backed by £84 million of Government investment, will give teachers the subject knowledge and support they need to teach our new, reformed computing curriculum. Appointing the first group of lead schools, to support local counterparts and deliver specialist training and development, marks an important step in making the aims of the NCCE a reality.
“As our digital industry makes an increasingly significant contribution to our economy, it is important that our teachers have the expertise to teach computer science with confidence and ensure young people leave school prepared for life in the 21st century.”
Outlined in the Skills White Paper, plans include proposals for new V-levels, a vocational alternative to A-levels and T-levels, as well as a “stepping stone” qualification for students resitting English and maths GCSEs.
Free specialist training is being made available to teachers in Wales to give them the knowledge to understand and respond to the challenges faced by adopted and care experienced children.
Members of the newly formed Youth Select Committee have launched a call for evidence as part of their inquiry into Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Education in secondary schools.
A new report from the Education Policy Institute (EPI) warns that the current system for registering children for Free School Meals (FSM) is failing to reach many of the most disadvantaged pupils.
The government has announced a mandatory reading test for all children in year 8, which it says will help identify gaps early and target help for those who need it, while enabling the most-able to go further.